(CNS): Officers from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service are hunting for people who have gone that extra mile to keep the Cayman Islands safe. The public are being asked to remain vigilant and report sightings of possible community heroes to the police. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2012 RCIPS Community Award which will be presented at a police awards event at the Ritz-Carlton in March. Last year (2011) the winners were the staff of the Caribbean Club for their part in the apprehension of two men on their premises with a firearm.

"The inaugural Outstanding Service Awards in 2011 was a huge success,” said Police Commissioner David Baines. “The event was completely underwritten by business, corporate and individual sponsorship. It was a sell-out as people came out in their hundreds to support the men and women of the RCIPS, and those in our community who go that extra mile to help keep Cayman safe.

“I’m delighted to be able to say that the Police Welfare Fund benefitted to the tune of $50,000 as a result of the evening and the generosity of our sponsors.
“It was a great pleasure for me to be able to celebrate the many positive aspects of policing and community involvement in the Cayman Islands. I hope that this year, once again, we will receive many nominations naming those very special people within our community who deserve to be recognised for their outstanding contribution.”

The Award is open to people or organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to community safety. It is the second year that the award will have been presented. Nomination forms are available at all district police stations or via the RCIPS website www.rcips.ky. Nominations close on Friday 10 February 2012.

There will be a number of other awards presented on the night;

Police Officer of the Year
Support Staff Member of the Year
Diversity Award
Police Welfare Award
Special Constable of the Year

Well I for one attended the police awards ceremony last year and I have to say I was impressed and inspired by the level of dedication and professionalism that I saw. This is as valid a set of awards as is given to any other part of the public sector. Doubtless there are instances of incompetence and worse in the RCIPS, as there are in every police force in the world, but my firm belief is still that the majority of our police are overworked, underpaid, honest and anxious to see justice done and the bad guys put away. They thoroughly deserve their moment of recognition.

No, nobody asked me to write this and yes, I know that a snowstorm of bloggy sneers will descend on me for saying it. So bring it on if you must.

I’m proud to sign this, too. Charles Jennings (in my personal capacity, not on behalf of the Law Society)